Informational+Texts

Topic
toc ESSENTIAL QUESTION: How does textual evidence support and advance arguments of analysis?
 * Informational Texts for "Romeo and Juliet" and "Oedipus Rex" **

Common Core Standards

 * RI.9-10.1.** Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
 * RI.9-10.3.** Analyze how the author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or events, including the order in which the points are made, how they are introduced and developed, and the connections that are drawn between them.
 * RI.9-10.6.** Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance that point of view or purpose.
 * RI.9-10.7**. Analyze various accounts of a subject told in different mediums (e.g., a person’s life story in both print and multimedia), determining which details are emphasized in each account.

Suggested Student Objectives

 * Identify and explain the elements of drama in general, and in Greek drama in particular
 * Explain the structure of the plot(s) and describe the dramatic technique the playwright uses to advance them
 * Trace the development of major and minor characters and explain how characterization advances the plot or theme
 * Understand Aristotle's definition of tragedy and explain how the other works studied exemplify the term //tragedy//
 * Analyze the playwright's use of irony

Suggested Additional Readings
Sophocles (C. 497-406 B.C.) Aristotle's Ideas about Tragedy Aristotle, Classic Technique and Greek Drama Essay on the Role of the Chorus in Ancient Greek Drama The Greek Stage and Shakespeare William Shakespeare (1564-1616) Poetics (Aristotle) (excerpt on comedy and tragedy) "//The Visual Artistry of Romeo and Juliet//" (James Black) (Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900, Vol. 15, No. 2, Spring 1975: 245-256)

Resource Links
A History of Ancient Greece The Ancient Greeks Ancient Greece-Athens-The British Museum The Sphinx Shakespeare's Coined Words Shakespeare Resource Center =

Activities
This project can be assigned as a paper, presentation, poster (collage), or group discussion. The students are to pick three songs that are about the topic of love. After listening and analyzing the lyrics of each song, the students must state what each song is saying about love. These opinions will then be compared and contrasted to the aspects of love in "Romeo and Juliet," "Oedipus," and "Antigone." Additionally, if assigned as a project other than a term paper, the students may also be asked to draw and/or find newspaper and magazine clippings that depict what they are proving in regards to love.
 * Interdisciplinary Project**

The students will read and take notes on the "Shakespeare's Coined Words" article. The students will then be placed with partners or groups of three with the assignment to create a conversation using the language of Shakespeare. Once an appropriate amount of time is given, the partners/groups will act out their conversation in front of their peers. =
 * Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics**

Assessments
After the students have read the required plays within the unit and the essay on the role of the chorus in ancient Greek drama, assign an informative and explanatory writing assessment. What is the role of a chorus in Greek drama? How did each of the playwrights use a chorus in each of their works, specifically in terms of advancing the plot? What specifically did the choruses contribute to each of the plays? Would the plays be able to function at the same level without the use of a chorus? In your paper, cite specific examples from the play in order to prove your argument.
 * Informative/Explanatory Writing**

After the students have read the required plays within the unit and the article "Aristotle's Ideas About Tragedy," assign an informative and explanatory writing assessment. What are Aristotle's main requirements in a tragedy? Which of the elements do "Romeo and Juliet," "Oedipus," and "Antigone" possess? Cite specific examples of how these works meet or do not meet Aristotle's criteria. Analyze whether there are alternative definitions of tragedy and how authors (mainly Shakespeare) developed their works with it. The students may also be assigned to compare how common works of literature fit into Aristotle's ideology.
 * Informative/Explanatory Writing**